The son of Montjeu was returning from a lengthy absence but this proved to be no barrier and he won well under Graham Lee.

He was settled at the rear during the early stages and still showed signs of inexperience racing on and off the bridle.

Graham was hard at work with half a mile to run but Steve Rogers responded well to pressure and rounded the bend in contention.

He hit the front with a furlong to run and won going away by a length and three quarters.

Roger said: "We haven't had many runners so it's great to get off the mark for the year. We hoped that Steve Rogers would be competitive off this mark and he has overcome greeness to win well at the line. He stays well."

Steve Rogers